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Buffered Bike Lanes

What are Buffered Bike Lanes?

Bike lanes are defined as a portion of the roadway that has been designated by striping, signing, and pavement markings for preferential or exclusive use by bicyclists.(1) Buffered bike lanes are standard bike lanes that are paired with a designated buffer space to separates the bicycle lane from the adjacent motor vehicle travel lane and/or parking lane.

Benefits of Buffered Bike Lanes

Provide greater separation between motor vehicles and bicyclists

Depending on width of the buffer and width of the bike lane, can provide adequate space for bicyclists to pass another bicyclist without encroaching into the adjacent motor vehicle travel lane.

Provide additional width so bicyclists can avoid doors opening in their path – greatest benefit when buffer is provided between parked cars and the bike lane.

Provide a wider dedicated bicycling width without making the bike lane appear to be a travel lane or a parking lane.

Can appeal to both beginner and accomplished bicycle users – lower stress.

Can encourage bicycling – contributes to the perception of safety among users.

Where, when and why buffered bike lanes are typically used?

Wherever a standard bike lane exists/is being considered.

On streets with high travel speeds, high travel volumes, and/or high truck traffic.

As a part of “Right Sizing” – on streets with extra lanes or extra lane width.